Truc Nguyen Special to The Globe and Mail Published 15 minutes ago

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More than a T-shirt, the marinière top (also referred to as a Breton top) has a long and practical history.

“The first marinière, a knitted cotton jersey ‘tricot rayé,’ was incorporated into French naval uniforms in 1858,” said fashion historian and author Rebecca C. Tuite . This garment featured a boat neckline and a very specific configuration of stripes on the body and sleeves. “Many significant features of the marinière were rooted in practicality and necessity of seafaring life: The broad ‘boat’ neckline made it much easier and quicker to put on and take off, while the bold stripes increased visibility o

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